The Latest on CBD and Anxiety

What is it?

Anxiety. We’ve all felt it at some point in our lives. Some feel it more than others. You may feel a tickle of nervousness when meeting a stranger or the grip of fear when your company suddenly announces it needs to downsize. Worry and restlessness are the hallmarks of anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, you may have problems making decisions, meeting others, ruminating, and being around large groups of people. There are a number of symptoms of anxiety including trouble concentrating, nervousness, increased heart rate, fatigue, tension, sweating, and panic. While some people can tolerate minor bouts of anxiety, others find major anxiety completely debilitating.

The good news is cannabis, or more specifically cannabidiol (CBD), may provide some solace. CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. This means, unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. CBD is currently being touted for many health benefits including treatment for anxiety. Presently, the mainstream has been abuzz about CBD and anxiety.

It should be noted that, while there is a lot of anecdotal evidence, there has been limited research regarding CBD and anxiety. Most evidence comes from animal studies and laboratory experiments. There was a report published in 2015 in the journal of Neurotherapeutics that found promise in the treatment of a handful of conditions related to anxiety including PTSD, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorder.

How does it work

While there is much research that needs to be done, the prevailing thought is that CBD affects the endocannabinoid system as well as the regulation of serotonin. CBD affects tiny proteins attached to the cells in your brain called CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors receive chemical signals from different stimuli and help your cells respond. It’s also thought that CBD alters serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a large part in mood. In other words, Serotonin is a chemical in your body that regulates anxiety.

Having low serotonin can cause anxiety in some people. The majority of people diagnosed with low serotonin get prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a type of psychiatric drug specifically used to treat anxiety and depression. Because CBD directly affects CB1 receptors and serotonin levels, many feel that CBD can help with anxiety, stress, and depression. CBD supplements may bring your serotonin to normal levels, which reduces the symptoms of anxiety. If you are looking for an alternative to SSRIs, consult your doctor before changing your treatment plan.

Conclusion

Finding the right product and the right dose is a matter of trial and error at this point. There are many factors that determine how effective CBD will be including weight, age, and the intensity of your anxiety.

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine, Cannaporium has a number of CBD products that can help. You could add CBD to a morning shake or coffee with a CBD tincture, take CBD Gummies throughout a stressful workday, add CBD Isolates to a meal, or simply use a CBD Vape Pen.

Cannaporium is proud to offer a wide selection of CBD products for every lifestyle. If you suffer from anxiety and would like to try CBD, please consult a doctor before changing your current healthcare routine.